It's been almost nine years since Hurricane Katrina devastated St. Bernard Parish, and various churches, civic groups and other organizations in the parish continue to show strength, resiliency and determination by rebuilding and becoming vibrant contributors to the community.

One of the most recent examples of a group doing this is the Ladies Auxiliary of Our lady of Lourdes Knights of Columbus Council 8842 in Violet.

For several months, members of the auxiliary have been busy holding fundraisers and reaching out to the community with service projects.

"One of our goals is to engage in charitable endeavors," said Lynn Dier, newly installed president of the auxiliary. "And this is the first year since Katrina that we have been active."

The group also "assists the Knights of Columbus Council 8842 in all their activities and promotes good fellowship through religion and social activities," Dier said.

On Aug. 3, members will host a back to school fund-raiser breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Church at the corner of East Judge Perez Drive and Colonial Boulevard in Violet.

Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the event. Dine-in and take-out are both available for the breakfast. Proceeds from the breakfast will be used to purchase school supplies for children in St. Bernard who need assistance.

"Each year Our Lady of Lourdes Church has taken donations to help children in St. Bernard with their school supplies," said Deborah Keller, a member of the auxiliary. "And the church will continue to do that but by holding the fundraiser we will be able to do even more to assist children."

And helping St. Bernard children who need assistance is another way the auxiliary is reaching out to the community and serving, Keller said. "Many families are having a difficult time and face economic hardships," Keller said. "We hope we can do something to help them."

The auxiliary will continue holding fund-raisers throughout the year and looking for other ways it can help people, Dier said.

Women 18 and older who would like to learn about the auxiliary may contact Dier at ldierai@yahoo.com. Additional information about the breakfast and other activities of the auxiliary is also available by contacting Dier.

Earl Hodges writes about people and events at houses of worship in St. Bernard Parish. He can be contacted at earlhodges@msn.com.